The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 42 chevy dump truck engine replacement

Hey everyone, got my 42 dump back on the road after it's 60 year nap. It has a 54 235 pressure motor that runs really good. Problem is it has a crack in the block that runs about 3/4 the length of the block under the manifolds. Cleaned it up good and put some JB weld on it, since it is a non pressure system it did a pretty good job of sealing it up, enough to use it for what I need. I am putting it back to work around a small farm but not extensive work but will hall some good loads.

My thoughts are replacing it with an upgraded 235/261 OR putting a small deisel in it. Possibly a 353 or 371 Detroit. Was looking at a 3126 Cat but that is to big for this truck. Obviously not looking for speed, more for horsepower and torque.

Any thoughts, what could I get out of a 235/261. A screemin demon would be unique in a stock truck and kind of cool ( not sure if I would want to listen to it all the time) but would it really be a significant gain in horsepower and torque.

No way will a 3-71 fit, modern 235/261 will drop right in, good work truck for what it was designed for.

Ed